During the month of June 2020, the CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch (CMHA-CVB) is participating in the Great Canadian Giving Challenge to raise funds to replace our Youth Outreach Mini-Van. Each dollar donated between June 1 and June 30 will be a single entry into a random draw for $20,000. The more dollars we raise, the more chances we have to win. The grand prize draw will be made on Canada Day - July 1, 2020.

There is an urgent, regional need to support street-involved and at-risk youth. The Child and Youth Services Branch of the CMHA-CVB employs eight mobile Youth Outreach Engagement Workers working in teams of two to cover the Cowichan Valley. The Youth Outreach Team mini-van frequents camp areas and other temporary sites distributing food, water, toiletries, blankets, clothing, tents and more. Our Youth Outreach Nurse often rides along to provide basic first aid. Many of the youth who are connected with the Youth Outreach Team are in the early days of addiction and homelessness. The teams provide them with access to services, nourishment, social connectivity, medical support and empathy. Whether it is taking someone for a coffee, providing critical support or simply listening, Youth Outreach Workers are often the only friendly face these youth encounter in their daily lives. 

Our Youth Outreach mini-van has served us well but it is now well past its prime - maintenance costs alone for last year were over $6,000. These funds could be better spent elsewhere so it is time for us to replace our van. As these funds are not part of our annual operating budget, we are embarking on a fund-raising campaign for a new outreach van. The Great Canadian Giving Challenge is the perfect time to launch our campaign because of the added bonus of a potential random prize of $20,000.

Please donate today and help us replace our Youth Outreach Van - we really appreciate your help! All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt. 

#GivingChallengeCA #MentalHealth #YouthMentalHealth #CowichanValley